Child Soldiers (Shooting from the Knee Caps Down!)

What do you see when you look at this picture? What many would guess is an adorable child whose eyes are full of promise and love, although from his looks physically that promise may not be fulfilled. You may see a child in great need of a better chance at life than what he has been given, or maybe a child who may just hasn't had his bath yet. Any thought that may come to your mind about this little boy has just as much as a chance of becoming a reality than the next.Yet what the sad part really is...is that there is one conclusion amongst all the ones you and I could think of that has an even greater probability as well as possibility for this young African child.

For this young child (as well as several others in Africa), his future has the greatest chance of being placed into a world of pain, hurt, destruction and chaos. For you see, this child like many others, will most likely become a CHILD SOLDIER for a rebellious army (or gang in most cases.) By the time this young boy reaches the age of seven, he will be taken in pure thievery away from his home and his family. By nine years old, he will be broken down mentally (brainwashed) into believing that his family is dead (rather it be truth or not) and that the only people that "care" for him are the soldiers he sees before him. By age eleven, he will be known for destroying an entire African village (city) bullet by bullet with each one aimed at what could be a loved one. At age thirteen, he most likely will have rape some one's mother, sister or cousin with out a second thought. Finally and most unfortunately, by the age of fourteen or fifteen he will be thrown to the wayside after he has done all that he was stolen to do. Left to dwindle away in his own insanity and agony.

This is what is happening at an continuous rate in places all over Africa. It is sad to say that this may not stop at the process this continent is in. Just think, this could be your younger brothers and sisters, or cousins. Maybe even your children. Or think, just a few years ago it could have been YOU. Now try to think what we as informed people can do to stop this from happening anymore. Let's try to find a way to give that child in the picture above a future full of that love and promise that fills his eyes. Other wise his future may look something like this...